Worlds of Fun - it is a great little park that is a 1/2 day drive from me. For a real splurge it is a toss up between Kennywood and Cedar Point.

Oh, Universal Orlando, for sure! It's the only park I know of where staying on-site makes sense (look for specials, it's pricey!). Your hotel room key is your fast-pass. If you go off-season, it's ilke having your own theme park! During December, you can sign up to be part of the Macy's Parade, on the crew of one of those giant balloons (talk about a walk -- get in shape to walk a few miles before you go, and a bit of strength training is a good idea, too). My husband and I got our faces painted to go with our balloon last time. As we rounded a corner, a little girl yelled, "Mama, they have real elves here!" Great rides (Spiderman, Men in Black, Simpsons), and one we're really looking forward to, "Despicable Me," which opened recently (haven't seen it yet).